New Google policy will enable users to see how Chrome extensions using their data

Google has announced that very soon chrome extensions will reveal how and where they are using the data to its users to add more transparency to their ongoing efforts to wayward Chrome extensions. 

The internet giant is introducing a policy in January 2021 that will require data use disclosures for extensions in the Chrome Web Store, reports Engadget. 

Creators will have to explain the kinds of data they're collecting, such as sign-ins or personally identifiable info. They'll also have to promise they honor the new policy, which bans selling data to third parties, using data for unrelated purposes and relying on data for credit checks and moneylending.

The message won't be visible on Chrome Web Store until January 18th, 2021. But the extension makers can start supplying disclosures from now on and have to comply with this policy by this timeframe. 

Otherwise, Google will apply a notice to developers' listings.

Despite such effort, this move won't guarantee honesty from extension producers, as abusers could easily misreport what they collect. The more effective approach would be to throw out dishonest developers once they've been caught, according to the Endgadget article.

This policy should also help with above-board extensions. So that if a user knows what an extension really wants, they can make a better-informed decision about installing that add-on, it further said.